Gareth Bale at risk of missing crucial Ireland game after ankle op

Gareth Bale is to undergo surgery on the ankle injury he suffered during Tuesday's Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid have announced.

The Wales international was replaced just before the hour mark during the 2-1 victory in Portugal and tests on Wednesday revealed he had suffered damage to his peroneal tendons.

Real have now announced the 27-year-old will go under the knife in London next Tuesday.

The European champions have not said how long they expect Bale to be sidelined for, but reports in Spain suggest he could be out for up to three months, and reports in the UK put the time he will miss at four months.

Ireland play Wales in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Dublin on March 24, exactly four months from today.

Bale has been sensational for his country in this campaign, scoring four in the four games they have played so far.